Runs rough for 15 seconds after starting then fine

[Siikarla]

For the last couple of months (seemingly ever since I had it in for maintenance at the dealer the last time), my '08 Explorer Limited runs rough the first 15 or so seconds after starting it and then runs fine after that. It doesn't seem to matter if the engine is cold or has just been shut off. The sound it makes is rhythmic -- as if it is related to a belt or the pace of the engine. Anyone have any ideas what that's about? It's definitely a new thing and it's odd enough that people standing nearby turn to look and as if my car is ok.

 

[Flag Gibby]

In order to try to better pinpoint what could be causing the temporary idle issues (sounds like closed loop idle issues at startup to me) , can you tell us what all was done for the maintenance? Was it just an oil change with a multipoint inspection? If that's the case, the first thing that comes to mind is possibly the connector on the Mass Air Flow sensor since they check the air filter on the multipoint inspection.
Honestly, if you are not that mechanically inclined I would just have a reputable mechanic or the dealership take a look at it since you say that you can always reproduce the issue hot or cold and they will be able to tell you what the problem is. Unfortunately, if you had taken it back to the dealership when it originally started doing it they would have most likely looked at it for free if it really did start happening right after they worked on it. When a vehicle starts sounding drastically different you cannot just leave it alone for months before deciding to figure out what is wrong.

 

[Siikarla]

To answer your question, "Flag Gibby" yes, the maintenance that I had done was the basic 60k mile service with oil change, oil, air, and fuel filters, and the usual inspections and fluid top-offs. The transmission fluid was changed previously (before I owned it), so they did not do that this time though it is usually done at 60k. I have my doubts that this was something caused by the service, but since it began so close on the heels of having it in, I thought I would mention it.

And Mr. Gibby, if I could offer you some advice. It is fairly rude to presume that someone is not mechanically inclined or doesn't know what they are talking about simply because they had the dealership do the maintenance on the vehicle or because they are posting a question on this forum. As it is, I do not drive the vehicle that often so even though it has been a few months since the service appointment, only a few trips out have been made in it. Suggesting that I am some kind of idiot because I have not dealt with the issue more urgently is rather offensive.

 

[polizi212]

To answer your question, "Flag Gibby" yes, the maintenance that I had done was the basic 60k mile service with oil change, oil, air, and fuel filters, and the usual inspections and fluid top-offs. The transmission fluid was changed previously (before I owned it), so they did not do that this time though it is usually done at 60k. I have my doubts that this was something caused by the service, but since it began so close on the heels of having it in, I thought I would mention it.

And Mr. Gibby, if I could offer you some advice. It is fairly rude to presume that someone is not mechanically inclined or doesn't know what they are talking about simply because they had the dealership do the maintenance on the vehicle or because they are posting a question on this forum. As it is, I do not drive the vehicle that often so even though it has been a few months since the service appointment, only a few trips out have been made in it. Suggesting that I am some kind of idiot because I have not dealt with the issue more urgently is rather offensive.

Step back and breath! reread Flaggibby's reply, he in no way said you were an idiot or not mechanically inclined! He asked you some questions and just stated some opinions! Since I presume he and you are not friends how is he to know what your level of experience is? Flag is one of the more active members here giving advice and assistance daily so please check your ego at the Web Portal and answer the questions as posted unless or until there is good reason to get your muffler in a bunch!

 

[Ornery]

You're way off base there, sport. You won't find anybody more helpful on this forum. I guarantee he wasn't trying to be insulting in any way. I on the other hand am quite fed up with first time posters, coming here with their problems, getting plenty of good info, never to be heard from again. No reply, no confirmation their issue was resolved, no thanks... nothing. You've taken that to the next level. Have fun fixing that now!

 

[swshawaii]

+3 Flag Gibby. Not nice, considering he's one of the most supportive and helpful individuals on EF. Lose the 'tude, newbie.

Who's being presumptive? :scratch:

It is fairly rude to presume that someone is not mechanically inclined or doesn't know what they are talking about simply because they had the dealership do the maintenance on the vehicle or because they are posting a question on this forum.

 

[Explorer_PL]

Siikarla -

And knowing people on this forum, we will still help you when you ask another question or give us some more details about this condition.
Happy New Year

 

[Flag Gibby]

Looks like I missed all the fun last night... just the way the end of my year has been going in terms of rubbing people the wrong way.
In terms of the original issue, I wonder since the OP most likely has the V8, if something is going on with the manifolds (it's an 08 so depending on the manufacture date it's possible). Here is a post from another forum that outlines very nicely what things to look at if you are having rough idle when cold.
http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/908721-tips-if-your-having-rough-idle-when-cold.html

 

[Siikarla]

Thanks Flag, I appreciate the link and the not-rude response proving you are the bigger person of all six of us.